By Terri L. Fowler
The month of September was memorable for the members and guests at St. Stephen’s Cathedral as the 62nd Founder Month was celebrated with guest speakers and ministers. At the culmination on Sept. 29, participants witnessed a dream realized with the ribbon-cutting ceremony for a ramp allowing ease of access for the elderly, and disabled worshippers. Houses of worship are legally exempt from federal ADA requirements to make building modifications to accommodate disabled guests. The ramp will bear the name of two founding members, Lymerthy and Ricardo Hackley. It is an appropriate tribute for this new renovation, answered prayer and a vision fulfilled by many at this noted venue.
This church was established over 60 years ago with a vision to change the surrounding community by a man in his early 30’s, according to Pastor Glenn McKinney.
“My father didn’t need a ramp to enter the church, but our disabled members, guests, and the seniors needed some help getting into the church,” Pastor McKinney added. He reflected on the impact the church services and amenities offer this neighborhood, including a daycare center and senior living facilities, and he vowed that there’s more to come as he expands on the vision of his father and founding church members to make a difference in the lives of others, both naturally and spiritually.
The church was founded in the turbulent years of the 60’s by the late Bishop George Dallas McKinney and his wife, Dr. Jean C. McKinney. From September 1962 until now, this facility has sat in the corners of Imperial and Valencia Parkway/Stevens Way as a deacon of hope, help, and healing. On March 30, 2021, Pastor Glenn A. McKinney, Sr was appointed to the office of Pastor with his wife, Carolyn McKinney, serving as First Lady.
St. Stephen’s Cathedral COGIC offers ministry and classes all week long, including a teen activity center, Morning Prayer, Pastor’s Bible study, Men and Women’s Bible Study, 8 a.m. Sunday Morning Service, Sunday School, Grieve Support Group, Discipleship Class, Spiritual Journey Fellowship class, Young Adults Ministry, Sunshine Band, Saturday Morning Prayer Group, New Member’s Class, and more.
For Sunday morning service visit our Facebook page at Youtube@StStephensCathedralCOGIC and join us in person at 5825 Imperial Avenue, San Diego, CA 92114. Visit our FB page for a listing of all the times and dates for these weekly and weekend services.
